After I transmigrated, the cold king clung to me every day.

Chapter 7: Husband and wife in public, but no interference in each other's lives in private.

Murong Yi stood there for a long time, watching Lin Xiaoqian's departing figure. His heart was in turmoil, with various thoughts intertwining and colliding.

On the one hand, the contract marriage proposed by Lin Qianqian did indeed provide him with a seemingly feasible way to escape his current predicament. He knew that his feelings for Su Wan'er were unwavering, and if he could reach such an agreement with Lin Qianqian, then he might be able to complete the facade of this political marriage and travel the world with Wan'er.

On the other hand, he was deeply suspicious of Lin Qianqian's sudden change and whether there were other conspiracies behind this suggestion. After all, in the ever-changing capital city, where power struggles were intertwined, any seemingly simple action could contain profound meaning, and a slight misstep could lead to utter ruin.

In the following days, Murong Yi fell into deep thought and investigation. He secretly dispatched his trusted confidants to investigate Lin Qianqian's every move in the Prime Minister's residence, including who she associated with closely and any changes in her daily words and actions. At the same time, he also meticulously analyzed the recent political developments of the Prime Minister's residence and its connections with other forces.

However, to his surprise, the intelligence he received indicated that Lin Qianqian seemed to genuinely only want a contract marriage and showed no signs of collusion with the Prime Minister's Mansion or any other schemes detrimental to him.

Meanwhile, at the Prime Minister's residence, Lin Xiaoqian anxiously awaited Murong Yi's reply. She knew her suggestion broke with convention and carried certain risks, but in order to control her own destiny in this era, she was willing to take the risk. Xiao Die, watching her mistress's constant worry, felt some concern herself, but was also moved by Lin Xiaoqian's courage and determination, silently staying by her side to offer her emotional support.

Finally, on a sunny but slightly tense day, Murong Yi made his decision. He sent someone to the Prime Minister's residence to invite Lin Xiaoqian to the Ninth Prince's residence again to discuss the contract. Upon receiving the news, Lin Xiaoqian was both excited and nervous; she knew this was a crucial moment that would determine her future.

When Lin Xiaoqian stepped into the main hall of the Ninth Prince's mansion again, she saw Murong Yi sitting upright in the highest seat, his eyes filled with a complex expression. Murong Yi looked at Lin Xiaoqian and slowly said, "Miss Lin, after careful consideration, I have decided to agree to your contractual marriage agreement. However, I also have a few conditions. We must clearly stipulate in the contract that we must play the role of husband and wife in public and must not do anything that would damage the royal family's reputation or the reputation of our two mansions; during the marriage, you must not interfere in my affairs, and I will give you the corresponding respect and freedom; when the time is right, I will properly handle the dissolution of our marriage so that you can regain your freedom."

Upon hearing this, Lin Xiaoqian breathed a sigh of relief and quickly said, "Your Highness, rest assured, I will definitely abide by these agreements. All I ask for is to retain a sense of self in this marriage and not be bound by them."

Just as the two were about to discuss the details of the contract, the steward of the Prince's mansion rushed in, his face pale and his voice trembling, and said, "Your Highness, something terrible has happened! Miss Su... Miss Su has disappeared!"

This sudden news was like a bombshell, instantly shattering the previously peaceful atmosphere. Murong Yi abruptly stood up, his face changing drastically, his eyes filled with terror and anxiety: "What? Wan'er is missing? What happened? Go find her immediately! I must find her right now!"

Lin Xiaoqian was also taken aback by this turn of events. Looking at Murong Yi's anxious and distraught state, a pang of sympathy welled up within her. She knew what Su Wan'er meant to Murong Yi; her disappearance would undoubtedly plunge him into a frantic search, and their recently agreed-upon contractual marriage would likely be stalled due to this unforeseen event. But she also understood that this might be yet another challenge and test from fate, and she had to find her own way to cope with this complex situation.